Construction of an Evaluating System of Tactile Walking Surface Indicators for Persons with Vision Impairments

Abstract

An experiment to evaluate a tactile walking surface indicator for visually impaired persons was usually carried out in the outdoor environment, and the weather and the seasons affected on the schedule and the result. We constructed the evaluation system within the building so we could conduct walking experiments that were unaffected by the weather regardless of the four seasons. The subjects of this system were not only a visually impaired person and a sighted deaf person but also general person. The laboratory provided a soundproof and shaded structure consisting of the walls and the ceiling. External sound and light were blocked. The hue could be adjusted by three-color fluorescent lamps, and the light could be adjusted from daytime brightness to a dim moon light. Research into the walking of visually impaired persons at nighttime is a pressing problem as the barrier-free transportation law has been enacted in Japan. An international standard has been discussed, and a scientific basis for that standard is now required.